Use of Tribal Child Care and Development Fund Resources to Support Early Childhood Systems Building

The recent large investments in the Tribal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act present an opportunity for tribes to enhance their early childhood systems to meet their goals, promote child development, and support working parents. The significantly increased funds offer tribes a chance to invest broadly in their child care and early childhood infrastructure to support higher program quality and improved child and family outcomes. This Information Memorandum provides an overview of how Tribal Lead Agencies can use existing CCDF funds, including supplemental funds provided through the ARP Act, to implement their tribe’s vision for a stronger system of high-quality early care and education at the tribal community level. It offers examples of activities that Tribal Lead Agencies may implement that are allowable under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act and the CCDF regulations.